My Story
I was born with low vision. Early diagnosis was unfavorable (and thankfully incorrect). Teachers, doctors and school administration recommended I be put in a special school and not expect much. {Yes, this was long ago, and things are much better.} I had a parent who said, no, I am sending her to public school and we will make it work. She was right. I graduated 5th in my class and received and MBA cum laude. And why? Because I had a voice telling me what I CAN do amidst all the voices who said I cannot. I had my CANdle.
I have progressed through my self-titled “disability advocate in training” journey. I have decided I want to figure out how to make independent living philosophy not just my passion, but my way of living. In other words, how I pay the bills. This article is just a baby step into the waters. And I am excited for the swim.
Why We Need CANdles
When it comes to folks with disabilities, we constantly hear what we cannot do. Parents hear what their child cannot do. When that message is ever present, we start believing it. We become complacent with it. We even accept and embrace it.
Independent living is a philosophy based on the belief that all persons have the same basic human rights to participate in and contribute to community life. It is about people having the right and the opportunity to be self-determined in matters such as living arrangements, transportation, social life, employment, and physical care. This applies to people with disabilities or any other marginalized population. And quite frankly, to everyone.
None of that means people don’t need help to get there. But any voice you have in how things happen is a voice. We need to be focusing on finding the way that we reach, hear and do not exclude. And work on fixing systemic issues that create the environment of exclusion.
Let’s explore a few examples:
- There are populations that have less access to education. Work on the education system. Expand the options, work on the mindset of employers to see that lived experience has much merit.
- There are many without internet access or intermittent access. Fix the infrastructure. Create more access, change internet from a “privilege” to a utility. An item like water and electricity. The internet is now something we can almost not function without. Not a cool, easier way to do our daily activities.
- People might need accommodations to perform a task. According to an ADA National Network Article, “ A reasonable accommodation is any change to the application or hiring process, to the job, to the way the job is done, or the work environment that allows a person with a disability who is qualified for the job to perform the essential functions of that job and enjoy equal employment opportunities. Accommodations are considered “reasonable” if they do not create an undue hardship or a direct threat.” Make this an easy path and simply ask everyone if there is an accommodation they need to do their job. Think of an adjustable chair for someone who is tall versus someone who isn’t.
How to be a CANdle
It is time we create a community of voices that tell us what we CAN do. No matter how small and simple it may seem, it can be everything to the ability to live the most independent life possible. One CANdle will add more light to darkness than you know. Imagine if each person has just one CANdle in their world. Just enough to follow the light, to see a way forward, to chase away the shadows.
Tips:
- Educate yourself about what is possible.
- Don’t let “cannot” be the last word. Find options, no matter how small.
- Once you have knowledge, share it with others. Build the community of CANdles.
- Accept diverse talents. Use your imagination.
- Think about what I call “adaptable design”. It’s a little bigger than universal design in that it allows for adjustments for different needs. Think about adjustable counters for the height of a person, someone in a wheelchair etc. How cool would that be?
- Find the CAN in your own life. Turn situations into what CAN I do, what CAN I change.
- Learn what your profession can do to help educate as well. Hire speakers for your conferences, get some training.
Want to Talk?
Reach out to The Information Tamer and let’s see what we CAN do. I always like feedback and tips as well. I am not a disability rights or ADA expert, just someone who is ready to make a difference and be a CANdle.
